Cape Town - Muizenberg to St James Walk

Looking for some sea breezes?

Not into strenous hiking?

Then the scenic and mostly flat walk along the path from Muizenberg to St James is just right for you!

One starts at Muizenberg Station - park either side of the railway line - it makes no difference and there is usually amply parking on both sides. During the busy season the parking on the Main Road side is most probably better.

The walk takes in lovely views of Muizenberg beach, the rock pools along the way, fishermen trying their luck or just getting away from their wives, the truly drunken soul who tries to catch a soccer ball from some passing guys and grabs fresh air with both arms three times in a row before falling down, or the friendly "hello' from a passing stranger, makes this a worthwhile walk at all times of the year.

The sea is ever changing so it is as fascinating on a calm and balmy day as it is on a stormy day. Sometimes, during summer, the wind will be howling and then the white foam is churned up to make fascinating patterns of bubbles along the shore line.

St James has a tidal pool and bathing huts so it is VERY popular with the locals during the summer months and you are unlikely to find even a small spot to sit and sunbathe. But don't despair, you can walk further along to Danger Beach where the surfers gather and there is likely to be a spot for you to take a breather.

In winter, you may be lucky to spot the odd whale or two.

Along the road  you can view Rhodes Cottage where Cecil John Rhodes spent his last days or you can visit the Het Posthuys Museum. Some buildings along Main Street are in a state of disrepair whilst other s have been renovated and look stately and gorgeous.

Muizenberg went into decline when all the Jewish familes stopped visiting and the area became very run down and unsightly. There has been a revival of sorts with buildings being done up and some interesting cafes to vist after your walk.

Surfers Corner at the start of the walk is always a popular spot and you can watch the surfers displaying their skills (or lack thereof!) whilst enjoying some coffee or a lunch.

© Judelle Drake

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For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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10 Reasons to visit Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain from Blouberg Beach

Cape Town is different things to different people - no matter what your interests are in life, you will love Cape Town with it's hugely diverse cultures, it's outstanding natural beauty, the huge variety of culinary experiences, the nightlife, the shopping .......I could go on!

My Favourites:

1 - Table Mountain - our very own Wonder of Nature - it's a must visit whether you hike up or take the scenic route in the cable car!

2 - The V&A Waterfront - this vibey spot is loved by all Capetonians and offers visitors to our shores great restaraunts, world-class shopping, harbour cruises, the Big Wheel and an exciting people watching spot.

3 - Cape Point - it's a beautiful drive and the point is awesome in all weathers.

4 - Blouberg Beach - this remains my favourite for the outstanding views of Table Mountain and the space to take long walks.

5 - Kirstenbosch - the great floral kingdom of the Cape is showcased here and is a must visit.

6 - Theatre on the Bay - a cosy, intimate theatre which offers a variety of shows throughout the year

7 - Kalk Bay for it's quirky shops and interesting harbour.

8 - Boulders, Simonstown to visit the penguins who are such fascinating birds one can watch them for hours.

9 - City Centre for it's Museums, the Fork (Tapas) Restaurant, Grand Daddy Rooftop for drinks, Green Market Square for gifts.

10 - Sea Point Promenade for some exercise and fresh sea air after all the glorious food.

There are countless other reasons why I love my home city - come and see what your favourites will be!

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Cape Town - Intaka Island - Bird Sanctuary

INTAKA ISLAND - BIRD SANCTUARY

Who would expect to find nesting birds in the middle of a huge housing/office and shopping development such as Century City, Cape Town? It's a gem of a spot within it's urban boundaries and boasts both educational and recreational purposes for the many persons living within Century City as well as being a safe haven for many birds such as White Breasted Cormorant, Reed Cormorant, Winged Stilt, Red Knobbed Coot, Malachite Kingfisher and Blacksmith Plover. 

This 16ha wetland, is named Intaka Island which, fittingly, means "Bird" in Xhosa. The first man-made heronies were built to encourage birds to return to the wetlands and the pans which has been disturbed by all the construction on the site. Old dead trees were used and slowly birds settled and started breeding.Tons of guano have been harvested and put to good use over the years!  

Storm Water drainage was a problem in a development this size and the canals and ponds were created to manage this. The canal water is polished through a series of ponds and filtration systems which ensure clean water which is, supposedly, also totally mosquito free. This is a great boon for those lucky enough to live beside a canal! The entire irrigation system uses non-potable water.

One can take a boat ride from Canal Walk, the shopping Centre, to Intaka Island and back again.

Residents and Non-residents may also paddle along the canals for a nominal annual fee.

You can walk the trail on Intaka by yourself or request a guide - we were lucky to enjoy the services of Themba who was a mine of useful information and extremely passionate about his job.

He explained the intricacies of the water filtration system in great detail. There are many residential units at Century City, hundreds of businesses and the massive Canal Walk Shopping Centre. It's quite an amazing feat that the developers were able to successfully include the wetlands for the continued breeding by various bird species as well as have the leisure activity of the canals.

Century City is also home to South Africa's "Greenest" Building to date.
Aurecon has been awarded a 5 Star Green Star SA - Office design v1 rating. This office block overlooks Intaka Island - magnificent working outlook for those lucky enough to work there!

So when you next visit Canal Walk for that shopping trip, perhaps take a detour to Intaka Island to view the bird life living in close harmony within the urban jungle!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com